At Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic, we are proud to be able to offer our patients the option of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. This advanced treatment can stimulate the regeneration of cells and greatly help to relieve chronic pain when conservative treatments have been unsuccessful. Shockwave therapy involves delivering energy pulses to targeted areas to improve blood flow and accelerate healing. The therapy is a low-pain procedure that carries far fewer risks of complications than some alternative treatments, like surgery.
Shock Wave Therapy in Homer Glen & New Lenox IL
Patients who undergo shockwave therapy at our podiatry practices in Homer Glen & New Lenox, IL can expect a fast and effective procedure with virtually no downtime. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is non-electrical, non-surgical, and non-invasive – ‘extracorporeal’ means ‘occurring outside the body’. If you’re suffering from chronic heel pain and are searching for a treatment that provides fast and long-lasting relief with minimal downtime and a high success rate, then Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy could be the right treatment for you. To learn more about shockwave therapy in New Lenox & Homer Glen, IL, get in touch with Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic today.
What Conditions Can Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Treat?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is an effective treatment for pain or injuries to the musculoskeletal system, such as joint, tendon, and muscle injuries. Shockwave therapy has proven successful at treating conditions like tennis elbow, tibial stress syndrome, and patellar tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are two of the most common foot & ankle-related conditions that shockwave therapy is used to treat. The two conditions are very similar in nature:
Plantar fasciitis involves an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick tissue band that connects the toes to the heel bone. The inflammation is thought to be the result of repetitive injuries to the plantar fascia.
Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon, causing stiffness, pain, and swelling. The condition is thought to be caused by repeated injuries to the Achilles tendon. Before your podiatrist suggests shockwave therapy to treat plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy, you’ll be required to have a full consultation and assessment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Homer Glen & New Lenox?
A good candidate for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is someone who hasn’t responded well to alternative treatments for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. Your podiatrist may advise that you try treatments such as ice therapy and orthotics before shockwave therapy. Many patients are suitable candidates for shockwave therapy, but other treatment avenues may be explored if you:
– Are pregnant
– Are on medication that affects blood clotting
– Are under 18 years of age
– Have neurological or vascular foot disease
– Have a pacemaker
– Have cancer
– Have had tendon or ligament ruptures before
– Have recently had steroid injections
If you’re interested in shockwave therapy but are unsure if you’re a suitable candidate, then please get in touch with Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic to book a consultation.
The Procedure for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
At a consultation at Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic, your podiatrist will discuss your condition in detail and explain the procedure for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. If you both agree that shockwave therapy is the best course of action, then you can move forward with the treatment. Shockwave therapy sessions take around 15-20 minutes, and you may require between 3 and 5 treatments, depending on how you respond. During each session, you’ll be asked to lie down and your podiatrist will start the treatment by applying a gel to the treatment area. No anesthetic is required during shockwave therapy.
After applying the gel, the podiatrist will use a hand-held probe to deliver compressed air impulses. The impulses are what deliver the shockwaves to the damaged tissue. The shockwaves will quickly spread out to cover the whole affected area and stimulate the body to start healing. The procedure shouldn’t be painful, but you may experience a mild discomfort. The first treatment will involve low-energy pulses, and the energy levels will increase with each session. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, your podiatrist will be able to reduce the intensity.
What to Expect After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy at Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic
After your Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy session in New Lenox or Homer Glen, IL, you’ll be able to return to work or go home straight away. Partaking in most activities is perfectly fine after treatment, but you should avoid very strenuous activities and any activities that may cause pain for 48 hours. Over-the-counter pain medication can help to reduce any discomfort you may feel after the treatment. Your podiatrist will advise you on which pain relief to use, as you’ll need to avoid any anti-inflammatory pain medications for a short time.
Some patients feel immediate pain relief after shockwave therapy, but it’s not the same for everyone. It may take upwards of three weeks for the full benefits of the treatment to become apparent. Your treatments will be scheduled between 1 and 2 weeks apart; you may need to return for an assessment of your progress about 2 months after you finish the final treatment.
Contact Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic for Shock Wave Therapy in New Lenox & Homer Glen IL
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy can be an incredible treatment for people who have had only a little success or no success at all with other treatments for common foot conditions, like plantar fasciitis. The ability of the treatment to provide immediate relief for some patients can greatly improve life quality and help people to return to their favorite hobbies without pain. If you’re concerned that you may have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy, or if you’ve received treatment for either condition in the past and are still experiencing pain, contact Vittori Foot & Ankle Clinic today. You can book an appointment online or give us a call to learn more about this innovative treatment.
